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India squad for SA series announced: Pant makes Test comeback; Tilak to lead A-team in ODIs

Debashis Sarangi

Rishabh Pant returns to IND Test squad [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X]Rishabh Pant returns to IND Test squad [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X]

In a significant development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the Indian squads for the upcoming Tests and limited-overs series against the South Africans. While Rishabh Pant made his Test comeback, Tilak Varma will lead the India-A team in the three-match One-Day series against the Proteas. 

Pant replaces Jagadeesan in IND Test squad for SA series

Rishabh Pant missed the home Test series against West Indies after sustaining a fractured toe during India's England tour. The South Africa series will mark the swashbuckling batter's comeback to Test cricket. 

Pant recently led India-A in the first Test against South Africa-A, scoring 107 runs across two innings. While Dhruv Jurel retains his place, Pant comes in for Narayan Jagadeesan, who was a part of India's squad for the West Indies home series.

The rest of India's Test squad consists of familiar names. Shubman Gill will lead the team, with Jaiswal, KL Rahul, B Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal forming India's batting core. Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Nitish Reddy will be India's all-rounders in the Test series, while Siraj, Akash Deep, Kuldeep and Bumrah have been chosen as specialist bowlers. 

India squad for SA Tests

Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep

India-A squad for SA-A ODIs revealed

In another development, the BCCI also unveiled the India-A squad for the ODI series against South Africa-A. Tilak Varma will lead the team, with Ruturaj Gaikwad being included as his deputy. Among others, Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, Ishan Kishan etc. will also participate in the high-voltage series. 

India-A squad for ODIs vs SA-A

Tilak Varma (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, Ishan Kishan (WK), Ayush Badoni, Nishant Sindhu, Vipraj Nigam, Manav Suthar, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Prabhsimran Singh (WK)

Apart from Tilak, Abhishek, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh are India's Australia tour-bound players who have also been picked for this One-Day series. Sanju Samson and Rajat Patidar have been ignored, while several IPL 2025 performers, notably Ayush Badoni, Riyan Parag, Vipraj Nigam and Prabhsimran Singh have made it into the team. 

IND vs SA schedule

India will play two Tests against South Africa between November 14 and 26 on home soil. The iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata will host the first Test, while the decider will be played at Guwahati's Barsapara Stadium from November 22 to 26. Meanwhile, India-A's three ODIs against South Africa-A will be played on November 13, 16 and 19 at Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium in Rajkot.